Brooks Letchworth

Brooks was raised in the vast cornfields of Illinois, and was lucky enough to have a river and forest preserve nearby. It was a lovely oasis to explore but the woods inevitably opened into more farmland, which seeded a wanderlust to find more and bigger places. He chose Southern Illinois University for its proximity to the Shawnee National Forest. There he studied Anthropology, Environmental Studies and Philosophy, and wrapped up his degree with an Outdoor Leadership certification. With a strong sense of wonder, he set out to see new territories and learn from communities both stateside and abroad.

His life’s canvas includes experiences with environmental centers, ecology schools, and outdoor programs in Illinois, Georgia, California, Maine, Vermont, and Colorado, with road trips through every continental state and international travel peppered in during time off. As an outdoor trip leader, he led students into wild places across Colorado, as well as Wyoming and Utah. After many road and trail miles, he enrolled at Denver’s Metropolitan State University for a Master’s degree in Education and Colorado teaching license. He was hired by Renaissance Expeditionary Learning Outward Bound School and spent a year teaching Sustainability to K-6 students, then another year as a 5th grade classroom teacher. When Renaissance opened a Secondary School, he was asked to design and launch its outdoor program. After four years as their Adventure Education Director, Brooks settled in Pagosa Springs to return to small-town roots and build a home in the most beautiful place he’s ever been.